Leech is water living animal used for blood detoxification purpose. The Leech therapy ( Jalaukavacharana ) is another form of Raktamokshana practiced since ancient times in the Ayurvedic treatment of bloodletting.
Leech used in Therapy
There near about 600-650 species found around the world. Out of this variety, only 15-20 are used for treatment purpose. Hirudoventralis (Indian cattle leech) is used in India for treatment purpose. The size of the leech varies from half inch to eighteen inches. And the Leeches may be found in a variety of colors like black, brown, yellowish maroon etc.
Procedure of Leech Therapy of Raktamokshana
Leech therapy is safe, painless & doesn’t require any change in routine life style. In this therapy after diagnosing a person, leech is applied to specific body part and is made to stay there. Once the leech finishes sucking blood from the site, then either the leech separates itself or may be separated manually by sprinkling of some herbal medicine. Proper dressing is done after the procedure. At a time single leech can suck 10-60ml blood . One session of leech therapy requires about 20- 60 min.
Benefits of Leech Therapy
When the leech is used for bloodletting in the technique of Raktamokshana, as the leech sucks impure blood from the body, this helps to provide considerable detoxification, immunity boosting and also improves the blood circulation in the body. This particular variety ofRaktamokshana is highly recommended for ailments like pigmentation, scar, wound , Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gouty arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Atopic dermatitis, Pain in joints , Edema , Itching , burning on skin etc.
